AFC Leopards head coach Fred Ambani/HANDOUT High-flying AFC Leopards head coach Fred Ambani believes the Kenyan Premier League title is firmly within reach after being crowned Betika Coach of the Month Award for December— a period that saw Ingwe surge to the top of the standings through consistency, discipline, and renewed belief.
Ambani scooped the award — and a Sh100,000 cash prize and a personalised trophy — after guiding Leopards through an unbeaten December run, lifting them to 30 points, three clear of archrivals Gor Mahia, following a commanding 2-0 win over Nairobi United at Nyayo Stadium over the weekend.
AFC Leopards’ rise to the top marks a remarkable turnaround after a stuttering start to the season that raised questions about their title credentials. December, however, proved transformational, as Ambani’s side found balance, confidence, and clarity of purpose.
“The title is within reach,” Ambani said. “We have always believed in this group. Even when results were not coming, I could see progress. The players stayed patient, trusted the process, and now we are seeing the rewards.”
Ambani said topping the table was not accidental. “This is not luck,” he said. “It is about hard work, discipline, and commitment. The boys have bought into the philosophy. They are fighting for the badge, for the fans, and for each other.”
December was AFC Leopards’ most productive month of the campaign. Ingwe played four matches without defeat, recording three wins and a draw, scoring four goals, conceding just once, and keeping three clean sheets.
The run began with a 1-0 victory over rivals Gor Mahia, a result that immediately shifted momentum in Leopards’ favour. “That win changed everything,” Ambani said. “Beating Gor Mahia gave us belief. It showed the players that we can compete with anyone. From that moment, confidence grew, and the hunger became stronger.”
Leopards then displayed defensive steel in a hard-fought 0-0 draw against defending champions Kenya Police. “That match was important,” Ambani said. “We showed maturity. We defended as a unit. Clean sheets win titles, and that is something we are emphasising every day.”
Ingwe’s confidence continued to rise with a 2-1 win over Ulinzi Stars, a match that tested their resilience and tactical discipline.
“Ulinzi are always difficult,” Ambani said. “They are organised and physical. Winning that game showed character. We stayed calm, followed the plan, and got the result.”
Leopards then closed the year with a narrow but crucial 1-0 victory over Bidco United, a result that lifted them to the league summit for the first time this season.
“Going top was special,” Ambani said. “But more important was how we got there. We stayed humble. We stayed focused. This position motivates us, but it does not make us complacent.”
The new year has begun with Ingwe maintaining momentum. Their latest 2-0 victory over Nairobi United at Nyayo Stadium further underlined their growing authority at the summit.
“That was a professional performance,” Ambani said. “We controlled the game. We were patient. We took our chances. This is the maturity we have been working towards.”
Ambani credited improved mentality as the key difference. “The mindset has changed,” he said. “The players now understand what it takes to win consistently. They respect every opponent, but they fear no one.”
Ambani edged out strong competition to claim the December Coach of the Month award, beating Tusker FC’s Charles Okere and KCB’s Robert Matano, both of whom enjoyed impressive runs.
Tusker remained firmly in the title hunt after Okere guided the brewers to three wins in four matches, conceding just once and keeping three clean sheets.
Matano, meanwhile, oversaw three wins from four outings with KCB, including an eye-catching 4-2 comeback victory over APS Bomet.
Ambani acknowledged the competition. “This league has top coaches,” he said. “To be recognised among them is an honour. It shows the SportPesa League is very competitive, and that pushes all of us to improve.”
Despite leading the table, Ambani insists Ingwe are not getting carried away, stressing that consistency remains the ultimate test.
“We have not won anything yet,” he said. “The table is tight. One bad result can change everything. We must stay focused, stay hungry, and keep working hard.”
Ambani also paid tribute to the Leopards' faithful. “Our fans have stood by us,” he said. “They push us. They believe in us. We want to give them something special at the end of the season.”
As the SportPesa League title race gathers momentum, AFC Leopards find themselves in a position of strength, driven by structure, belief, and momentum. With Fred Ambani steering the ship and confidence coursing through the Den, Ingwe’s title dream no longer feels distant — it feels attainable.
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